# Pol Roger Brut Rosé Vintage 2018 (2018)

- **Producer:** Pol Roger
- **Colour:** rosé
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €120
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, peach, lemon, raspberry, red cherry, strawberry, butter, pastry, brioche, biscuit

## About this wine

The Pol Roger Brut Rosé Vintage 2018 is a sparkling rosé wine from the Champagne AOC, produced by the family-owned house of Pol Roger, founded in 1849. This wine is exclusively made in exceptional vintage years. It is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from approximately 20 Premier and Grand Cru vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs sub-regions. A distinctive aspect of its production involves vinifying 15% of the Pinot Noir as red wine ('en rouge') and adding it to the blend to achieve its color and depth. The 2018 vintage was characterized by a warm and sunny summer, with lower night-time temperatures aiding in the preservation of acidity.

## Interesting facts

- Pol Roger only releases rosé Champagnes in vintage years.
- 15% of the Pinot Noir is vinified as red wine for color and depth.
- The wine undergoes hand-riddling, a rare traditional practice.
- The cellars are 33 meters below street level.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of dishes like salmon and duck, while its fruit notes complement desserts. Its complexity allows it to stand up to richer proteins and seafood, with subtle herbal undertones bridging to dishes seasoned with fresh herbs.

## Wine making process

The Pol Roger Brut Rosé Vintage 2018 is produced using grapes sourced from approximately 20 Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. The vinification process involves two settling stages for the must, followed by slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with each variety and village kept separate. Full malolactic fermentation is completed. To achieve its characteristic color and depth, 15% of the Pinot Noir is vinified as red wine ('en rouge') and added to the blend. Secondary fermentation occurs in bottle, after which the wine is hand-riddled. Extended aging on lees is a standard practice.